viernes, 28 de noviembre de 2014

Remembers The Advice On Managing Your Diabetes

Tip 1: Take stress seriously.

If you're stressed, it's easy to neglect your usual diabetes care routine. The hormones your body may produce in response to prolonged stress may prevent insulin from working properly, which only makes matters worse. To take control, set limits. Prioritize your tasks. Learn relaxation techniques. Get plenty of sleep.

Above all, stay positive. Diabetes care is within your control. If you're willing to do your part, diabetes won't stand in the way of an active, healthy life



Tip 2: If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly.

Alcohol can cause low blood sugar, depending on how much you drink and whether you eat at the same time. If you choose to drink, do so only in moderation and always with a meal. Remember to include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily calorie count.



Tip 3: Consider a daily aspirin.

Aspirin reduces your blood's ability to clot. Taking a daily aspirin can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke — major concerns when you have diabetes. Ask your doctor whether daily aspirin therapy is appropriate for you, including which strength of aspirin would be best.






Tip 4: Pay attention to your feet.

High blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet and reduce blood flow to your feet. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can lead to serious infections. To prevent foot problems:

Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water.
Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes.
Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion.
Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, sores, redness or swelling.
Consult your doctor if you have a sore or other foot problem that doesn't start to heal within a few days.



Tip 5: Take care of your teeth.

Diabetes may leave you prone to gum infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss your teeth once a day, and schedule dental exams at least twice a year. Consult your dentist right away if your gums bleed or look red or swollen.




Tip 6: Keep your vaccines up to date.


High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, which makes routine vaccines more important than ever. Ask your doctor about:

  • Flu vaccine. A yearly flu vaccine can help you stay healthy during flu season as well as prevent serious complications from the flu.
  • Pneumonia vaccine. Sometimes the pneumonia vaccine requires only one shot. If you have diabetes complications or you're age 65 or older, you may need a five-year booster shot.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends hepatitis B vaccination if you haven't previously been vaccinated against hepatitis B and you're an adult aged 19 to 59 with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The most recent CDC guidelines advise vaccination as soon as possible after diagnosis with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you're age 60 or older and have diabetes and haven't previously received the vaccine, talk to your doctor about the whether it's right for you.
  • Other vaccines. Stay up to date with your tetanus shot and its 10-year boosters. Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may recommend other vaccines as well.


Tip 7: Schedule yearly physicals and regular eye exams.

Your regular diabetes checkups aren't meant to replace yearly physicals or routine eye exams. During the physical, your doctor will look for anydiabetes-related complications — including signs of kidney damage, nerve damage and heart disease — as well as screen for other medical problems. Your eye care specialist will check for signs of retinal damage, cataracts and glaucoma.



Tip 8: Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

Like diabetes, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels. High cholesterol is a concern, too, since the damage is often worse and more rapid when you have diabetes. When these conditions team up, they can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening conditions.

Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol. Sometimes medication is needed, too.



Tip 9: Don't smoke.

If you smoke or use other types of tobacco, ask your doctor to help you quit. Smoking increases your risk of various diabetes complications, including heart attack, stroke, nerve damage and kidney disease. In fact, smokers who have diabetes are three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than are nonsmokers who have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Talk to your doctor about ways to stop smoking or to stop using other types of tobacco.



Tip 10: Make a commitment to managing your diabetes.

Members of your diabetes care team — doctor, diabetes nurse educator and dietitian, for example — will help you learn the basics of diabetes care and offer support and encouragement along the way. But it's up to you to manage your condition. After all, no one has a greater stake in your health than you.


Learn all you can about diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. Maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your blood sugar level, and follow your doctor's instructions for keeping your blood sugar level within your target range. Don't be afraid to ask your diabetes treatment team for help when you need it.



domingo, 26 de octubre de 2014

Diabetes Among Pregnant Women

Carrying a life inside the womb for nine months is probably the most wonderful experience any woman could ever have. In this stage called "pregnancy," it is very important for an expectant mother to pay attention to good nutrition because this is very vital for her and her baby's health. Pregnancy for regular women is complicated as it is, how much more for women who are suffering from a chronic illness such as diabetes?

During the course of the pregnancy, the mother and the baby need all the energy and nutrients they can get. Pregnancy is indeed not the time to lose weight or go on a diet because having a nutritionally sound diet can increase the chances for the baby to have a normal birth weight, proper brain development, and reduce the risk of certain birth defects. All these and more should be of topmost consideration for pregnant women who have diabetes. 

What you need to know

Diabetes has three types, the "type 1 diabetes" which is the least common type but predominantly diagnosed among kids and teens, the "type diabetes" which is the most common to all ages and the "gestational diabetes" which are common for women once they get pregnant. It can be said that among these three types of diabetes, "gestational diabetes" is the easiest to deal with because it usually ends once the woman gives birth. However, this is not always the case because there are also those that continue to suffer from the disease that can lead to "type 2 diabetes" if not monitored and given proper medical attention immediately. 

Although almost pregnant women are expected to suffer from gestational diabetes at one point during their pregnancy, there are also those who suffer from it even before they conceive. In this scenario, dealing with diabetes can be harder and much more complicated. But now, with the help of modern technology and advances in the field of medical research, pregnancy for women who are diabetics is fairly easier and lesser risk when it comes to the overall health of the baby and the mother as well. 

First things first

For women who are diagnosed with diabetes, getting pregnant should be an utmost decision to make. This is because it will greatly determine not just the baby's health but the woman's overall health condition as well. For women who are planning to get pregnant despite suffering from diabetes, the major consideration to ponder on is the readiness of the woman's body. This is very important to ensure that the woman can meet all the challenges and difficulties that goes with pregnancy. 
To know if the woman's body is ready for pregnancy despite diabetes, she should undergo a thorough physical examination administered by a licensed physician. This is very important because the physician can tell if the body is ready for the demands of pregnancy and labor and the possible complications that might occur along the way. 

Experts say that pregnant women who have diabetes will most likely develop related complications such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, kidney disease, autonomic neuropathy or nerve damage to the internal organs, and cardiovascular diseases. 

What you can do 

With proper daily management, many women were able to have successful deliveries. The following are just some of the things that helped them along the way: 

- frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG); 

- administering insulin injections and identifying how to adjust the doses depending on results of their SMBG; 

- controlling and treatment of hypoglycemia; 

- maintaining an appropriate level of regular exercise or physical activities; and an 

- appropriate meal plan specially designed for women who have diabetes.


Diabetes Epidemic Now

With obesity levels being at an all time high, the epidemic of type 2 diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, and will only get worse.

Between 2001 and 2002, the diagnosis of diabetes went from 5.5 percent of Americans to an alarming 6.5 percent. In just one year!

Overall, twelve million Americans have been diagnosed and another 5 million Americans have diabetes and don’t know it. And yet another 12 millions are on their way to type 2diabetes because of impaired glucose levels.


Not knowing is the worst because risks of untreated diabetes puts us at a terrible risk of complications
including but not limited to blindness, amputations and ultimately death.

The stickler is, that type 2 diabetes is almost completely preventable. Doctor’s say eat less, eat better and exercise. The numbers show just how many Americans are currently overweight.

Statistically, people are now living longer, and it has been on the rise for years. But this will not continue if type 2 diabetes is not put under control.

We are a gluttonous society and ultimately it is affecting how we live and how long we live.

And unfortunately, the diabetes epidemic is not just a US problem. It is spreading worldwide with epidemic reports in Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

It is estimated that by 2025, the number of diabetics worldwide will rise to 380 million. And diabetes is now affecting more of the young and middle-aged population in developing countries between the ages of 40 and 59.


Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is also simply known as diabetes. It is the disease characterized by a malfunctioning metabolism and a high blood sugar level.


The result can be low levels of insulin or abnormal insulin resistance. This mixed with inadequate levels of insulin secretion results in diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include increased urine production, excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, and
excessive thirst and weight loss. These symptoms though may not be present in those people with only mildly elevated sugar levels.

Diabetes mellitus includes type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, which occur only during pregnancy. Each type has a different cause and different severity of symptoms.

But all forms of diabetes are dangerous if not treated. With proper management though, people with diabetes can live a long, healthy, normal life.

The main cause of type 1 diabetes mellitus is the loss of insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This ultimately leads to an insulin deficiency.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is typically found in children and young adults. It is also termed juvenile diabetes. The common treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus is daily insulin injections to replace the insulin the body is not producing properly, along with careful blood glucose monitoring.

Without careful monitoring and treatment, complications from diabetes could include loss of limps such as arms, legs and feet, blindness and diabetic comas, which can be fatal.

It is extremely important that if you suspect you or your child to have symptoms of diabetes, that you visit your doctor to be tested. If the tests are positive it is not the end of the world. With careful monitoring and care, type 1 diabetics can live long healthy lives.


jueves, 18 de septiembre de 2014

Diabetes Management

As of 2007, there is no cure for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This may seem like a dim outlook for many people, but the fact is that even though there is no cure, there certainly are ways to manage your diabetes.

Proper management can give you many years of healthy living.

Diabetes management starts with a visit to your doctor. first, finding out you have diabetes, what type you have then arming yourself with as much information as possible about the diabetes you are diagnosed with.

All management begins with controlling the glucose cycle.

The glucose cycle is affected by two factors, entry of glucose into the bloodstream and blood levels of insulin to control the transport out.

Your glucose levels are very sensitive to both diet and exercise, so change in either should first be discussed with your physician. Proper management of diabetes can be very intrusive to the patient.

Proper management requires a complete lifestyle change and frequent, sometimes multi-daily checks of glucose in the blood.

It can change as people grow and develop and no two cases are ever really the same. Today it is easier to measure the blood sugar level.

Glucose meters are readily available and are quite easy to use with a little practice and patience.

With a small drop of blood to the testing strip attached to the glucose meter, the user is given the number, which represents their blood sugar level. This in turn will let the user know if and when insulin is needed.

Diabetes: What This Disease Can Affect

Treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes today is a lot easier than in the past. Thanks to modern treatment methods and medicine, you will see that it is possible for diabetics to live a near normal life. However, living with diabetes is not always easy. You have to remember that this disease will not only affect your lifestyle but it will also have an impact on your relationships with other people, work, emotions, as well as your hobbies.

Depressive illness like diabetes can get the sufferer to experience mood changes. It may be because of the unstable chemicals in your body that sends signals to your brain, or it may be because of the psychological and social impact that the disease have.

Besides, you too would really be peeved at the simple fact that having diabetes will require you to change the way you live your life. Suddenly, you will need to take insulin injections, check your blood glucose level regularly, and also take care at what you need to eat or drink. Some people get depressed or angry because they feel that they lost control on how they live their life. Some people even get depressed as they need to give up certain hobbies.

Family life and relationships with other people may also get affected. For young people or teens, the normal conflict associated with adolescent or puberty within the family may be magnified with diabetes, which can also become a source in family strife.

Adults too can have problems with relationships and family life if they are suffering from diabetes. It may be because of the lack of information on diabetes which can drive the concern of their partner.

It is important to remember that living with diabetes is far easier if a universal approach is taken. However, a compromise needs to be reached in order for the changes to fit in with the rest of the family. Some will need to make certain sacrifices in order to accommodate the management of the disease.

Diabetes can also have an impact on work. If you have diabetes type 1, then professional diving, driving articulated vehicles, and flying airplanes is considered to be incompatible with the disease. However, you will see that most people really don’t see diabetes affecting their ability to do their job. With proper management, someone with diabetes will still be able to work the same hours and work as hard as the person who doesn’t have the illness.

When it comes to driving vehicles, it is important to inform the DMV about your condition especially if you need to take tablets or injections to control your blood glucose level. The DMV will contact your physician and may ask about your case.

Also, informing the DMV about your condition will entitle you to insurance if you are involved in an accident where your diabetes is also involved in causing the accident.

Having diabetes doesn’t mean that you can’t excel in sports. In fact, you can have diabetes and still win medals at the Olympics. This may sound a bit extreme but you have to remember that active lifestyle and diabetes are compatible. In fact, many physicians will recommend that you should go for an active lifestyle in order for you to have some sort of exercise, which can significantly help diabetes.

Physical activities can cause hypos in diabetics. In fact, people without diabetes can experience becoming hypoglycemic. To avoid this, adjust your diet and treatment in order to accommodate the physical activity that you do for recreation. It is also important that those around you should know about your condition and also know what to look for if you become hypoglycemic.

Diabetes is a serious disease. There is no cure for it but as far as living a normal life, you will see that you will be able to do so with proper management and care. Living with diabetes may be hard for anyone suffering from the disease. But, with self discipline and knowledge about the disease, you can be sure that you will be able to live a full and near normal life.

Effectively Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels

Living with diabetes is not easy. You need to make certain changes on how you live your life. Managing diabetes is easy if you know how to effectively monitor your blood glucose level. This will be able to help you live a more normal life despite the fact that you are suffering from diabetes.

You have to remember that once you get diabetes, you have it for as long as you live. There is no cure for this disease but it can be managed. And, in order for you to effectively manage diabetes, you need to be able to monitor your blood glucose levels. By doing so, you will be able to live a more normal life.

To monitor your blood glucose levels, you need to have a glucometer or a glucose meter. This device can inform you how much glucose is in your blood. Using this device requires you to produce a relatively small amount of blood for the machine to read. In most cases, lancets are included in glucose meter kits as well as a lancing device.

The first step is to put a new lancet in the lancing device. Then, you need to take a test strip from the bottle and replace the cap after doing so. Then, you have to insert the test strip in to the glucose meter to get it ready for use. Make sure that you disinfect your hands first by washing it and applying disinfecting alcohol. Also, make sure that your hand is dry as water or liquid can produce varying result on the glucose reading.

Then, prick the tip of your finger with the lancing device and let blood flow out of it. Take the required amount of blood sample and place it on the test strip. Most devices will automatically read the blood glucose level from the sample you provided and will produce results in just a few seconds. Then, you need to take disinfected cotton and press it on the area where you drew blood from.

You then have to discard the test strip properly as well as the used lancet. You have to record the result in a log book in order for you to effectively monitor your blood glucose levels during the day effectively. This will help you in preparing meals as well as know what kind of activities that you should do or not do.

Diabetes is a very serious disease that has a lot of complications when managed improperly. If you are living with diabetes, make sure that you know how to manage it in order for you to live a normal life. Although there is no cure yet for diabetes, there are ways to treat it and manage it. It is also important to regularly visit your physician in order for you to know how you can effectively treat and manage the disease.

If you are suffering from diabetes, one way to manage it is to take a blood glucose reading several times a day. Lifestyle change is also important. By effectively monitoring your blood glucose levels, you can be sure that managing diabetes will be easier in your part and will allow you to live a more normal life.

Keep these things in mind and you will be able to conquer diabetes.


Exercise Tips To Help You Properly and Effectively Manage Diabetes

Exercising is one of the keys to having a healthy body. It doesn’t only make you look better, but it will also help you feel a lot better. If you don’t exercise, then you will eventually risk getting diseases that can really affect your life. Inactivity can lead to heart related diseases and it can also lead to diabetes.

First of all, type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease of lifestyle that many people are experiencing today. This disease is affected by a lot of factors, such as your weight and your activity levels. These two things are in your complete control and you need to do the right thing in order for you to effectively manage the disease.

Exercise does help diabetes. It can reduce your body's insulin requirements in many ways. The first is that exercise will be able to increase the body's sensitive to insulin. What this means is that the cells in your body will be able to better absorb insulin. Exercising can also help enhance the use of blood glucose in your body.

What this means is that it will be able to lower the blood glucose levels in your body, which can possibly reduce the amount of medication you need in order to treat and manage the disease. If you have type 2 diabetes, exercising regularly can even eliminate the need for constant medication, especially if you accompany exercise with a healthy eating plan.


You also need to keep in mind that diabetics have higher risks of high blood pressure and acquiring heart related disease as well as stroke. This is why it is more important for you to exercise now in order for you to reduce the risk of heart related diseases.

Through exercise, you will also be able to improve circulation, especially in the legs and arms. This is where people suffering from diabetes usually have problems and with exercise, it will be able to help.

You also need to keep in mind that stress can raise blood glucose levels. And, everyone knows for a fact that exercising helps reduce stress levels. So, if you want to keep your blood glucose levels from spiking, you have to reduce stress through exercise.

Lastly, one great benefit of exercise for diabetics is that it will be able to significantly improve the quality of life.

The next step is by knowing the right exercises for diabetics. You need to remember that the best exercises for diabetics are cardiovascular and aerobic exercises. However, you need to choose an exercise that is not hard on the feet as injuring the feet may lead to more serious problems especially for diabetics.

So, go for gentle walking, swimming and cycling. These exercises will be able to work your heart and circulatory system. You can also try playing racket sports, such as tennis. Just make sure that you wear proper fitting shoes in order to prevent injuries on the feet.

Before you start exercising, it is wise to consult your doctor about it first. This way, you will be able to know what kind of exercise you should do and for how long each day.

These are the things that you need to remember about being diabetic and the importance of exercising. Through exercise, you will be able to manage the disease effectively and let you live a full and normal life.



Effectively Manage Diabetes


Living with diabetes is not easy. You need to make certain changes on how you live your life. Managing diabetes is easy if you know how to effectively monitor your blood glucose level. This will be able to help you live a more normal life despite the fact that you are suffering from diabetes.

You have to remember that once you get diabetes, you have it for as long as you live. There is no cure for this disease but it can be managed. And, in order for you to effectively manage diabetes, you need to be able to monitor your blood glucose levels. By doing so, you will be able to live a more normal life.


To monitor your blood glucose levels, you need to have a glucometer or a glucose meter. This device can inform you how much glucose is in your blood. Using this device requires you to produce a relatively small amount of blood for the machine to read. In most cases, lancets are included in glucose meter kits as well as a lancing device.

The first step is to put a new lancet in the lancing device. Then, you need to take a test strip from the bottle and replace the cap after doing so. Then, you have to insert the test strip in to the glucose meter to get it ready for use. Make sure that you disinfect your hands first by washing it and applying disinfecting alcohol. Also, make sure that your hand is dry as water or liquid can produce varying result on the glucose reading.

Then, prick the tip of your finger with the lancing device and let blood flow out of it. Take the required amount of blood sample and place it on the test strip. Most devices will automatically read the blood glucose level from the sample you provided and will produce results in just a few seconds. Then, you need to take disinfected cotton and press it on the area where you drew blood from.

You then have to discard the test strip properly as well as the used lancet. You have to record the result in a log book in order for you to effectively monitor your blood glucose levels during the day effectively. This will help you in preparing meals as well as know what kind of activities that you should do or not do.

Diabetes is a very serious disease that has a lot of complications when managed improperly. If you are living with diabetes, make sure that you know how to manage it in order for you to live a normal life. Although there is no cure yet for diabetes, there are ways to treat it and manage it. It is also important to regularly visit your physician in order for you to know how you can effectively treat and manage the disease.

If you are suffering from diabetes, one way to manage it is to take a blood glucose reading several times a day. Lifestyle change is also important. By effectively monitoring your blood glucose levels, you can be sure that managing diabetes will be easier in your part and will allow you to live a more normal life.

Keep these things in mind and you will be able to conquer diabetes.


miércoles, 27 de agosto de 2014

Diabetes In Children

Diabetes in children is also known as juvenile diabetes, but more commonly known as type 1 diabetes. It is the most common form of diabetes in children with ninety to ninety-five percent of carriers being under 16.

Juvenile diabetes is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. It is an autoimmune disease, which means the bodies own defense system attacks the
body’s tissues or organs.

In the last 30 years the number of juvenile diabetes had increased three times over and in Europe and the US we are now seeing type 2 diabetes in children for the first time.

Obesity easily explains type 2, but not why there is such a rise in type 1 diabetes in children. It is believed that a mixture of genetics and environmental factors are what triggers juvenile diabetes. But the majority of children don’t have a family history of diabetes.

The symptoms for juvenile diabetes are the same as in adults. Thirst, weight loss, fatigue, frequent urination is typical, but diabetes in children can also increase stomach pains, headaches and behavior problems.

Doctors should consider the possibility of diabetes in children who have unexplained stomach pains for a few weeks, along with the typical symptoms.

If you believe your child may be experiencing these symptoms you should schedule them for a thorough examination and tell your doctor what you suspect your child may have. Be sure to tell them about any and all symptoms your child may be experiencing.


Complications of diabetes

Just like in any other illnesses, the first thing that people need is to be informed and educated about the disease that may be prone to. In case of diabetes, extensive knowledge about this can help people who are already suffering from it to cope up and manage and can also help those who don’t have it yet to be more careful and to avoid the illness. 

But, aside from having extensive knowledge on the disease such as its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, it also pays to know if there would be related complications. This is to prepare one's self—emotionally, physically, and emotionally—about the possibilities of coping not just with diabetes but other complications related to it as well. 

There are certain factors that affect people to be prone to diabetes such as age, heredity and ethnicity. But regardless of the risk factors, the related complications would just be the same. The following are just some of the complications of diabetes that people who are prone to it must pay attention to:

1. HEART DISEASE AND STROKE. Experts say that people who have diabetes have greater risks to having coronary heart diseases and to stroke compared to those who don’t have them. In fact, these complications are the lead causes of death among diabetics all over the world. People suffering from diabetes are prone to heart diseases and stroke because the fatty deposits brought by drastic changes in the body can block the arteries and leads to heart attack. Because of lesser amount of insulin in the body compared to regular people, diabetics have higher incidence of blood clotting and can also lead to high blood pressure or hypertension. 

2. DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE. Among people with diabetes, kidney failure is the most common complication because the blood-filtering units of the kidneys are being damaged. Once the kidney has been damaged, important proteins are being along with urine and eventually, the kidneys won't be able to remove the waste products present in the blood anymore. The good thing is, not all diabetics experience End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESRD) which can be life threatening. To avoid this complication, you must stop smoking cigarettes and always keep the blood pressure under control at all times. 

3. DIABETIC EYE DISEASE. This refers to the group of eye problems that diabetics—people with diabetes—may have as a result of the chronic disease. In worst cases, this set of eye related problems such as diabetic retinopathy, damaged vessels of the eye's retina, cataract, cloudiness in the lens of the eyes, glaucoma, and increased fluid pressure inside the eye that is damaging to optic nerve. All of these, when not treated immediately and now monitored properly can lead to total loss of vision loss or blindness. 

4. DIABETIC NEUROPATHY. Those people who are into smoking, drinking, and those who have poor control with glucose are more prone to developing neuropathy compared to those diabetics who are not into these vices and bad habits. 

5. GASTROPARESIS. This disorder involves the stomach as a result of prolonged emptying. Studies show that around 20 to 30 percent of diabetics suffering from "type 1 diabetes" are more prone to this diabetes complication because it severely damages the "vagus nerve" which is responsible for keeping the food moving through person's the digestive tract. Although it is also diagnosed among those who have "type 2 diabetes" the cases are comparatively lower.


Knowledge about Diabetes to Effectively Manage the Disease

Diabetes is a disease that the sufferer needs to deal with for the rest of their lives. You have to remember that diabetes still has no available cure and the only way to treat it is by properly managing the blood glucose levels. Being diabetic can be very hard as you will need to make certain changes in your life in order to properly manage the disease. So, if you think that living with diabetes is simple, you may want to think again. With proper knowledge, you will be able to prevent complications caused by diabetes and be able to live a near normal life.

First of all, diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin in order to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. In some cases, it is a condition where the body doesn’t properly use the insulin it provides. Because of this, diabetics suffer from a condition called hyperglycemia or high blood glucose level.


This condition is very serious and can really be life threatening if you don’t properly manage it.

This is basically what diabetes is all about.

Diabetes increases the risk of other diseases in affecting you. It can increase the risk of heart related diseases, kidney disorders, liver disorders, and it can even cause blindness. With proper management of diabetes, all of these complications can be prevented. So, how can you manage diabetes properly?

For starters, diet is the most important factor. There are certain rules that you need to follow when it comes to when and what to eat in order for you to properly manage the disease. Generally speaking, a diabetic diet consists of low salt, low sugar, low carbohydrates, low fat, and high in whole grains and vegetables. The eating pattern is also important as you need to regulate your blood glucose level through the food you eat. To prevent your blood sugar level to go below the normal level, you need to eat snacks in between meals. This means that you need to eat snacks after breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Always keep in mind that what you eat is just as important as when to eat. This is basically the diabetes diet.

Exercise is also an important factor in properly managing diabetes. By exercising at least 30 minutes a day, you will be able to regulate your blood sugar level. You can try going for a jog, walk, or play sports, such as tennis, badminton, or basketball.

However, you also have to remember that diet and exercise alone are not enough to properly manage diabetes. You also need to constantly and regularly monitor your blood glucose level. You need to test your blood several times each day in order for you to carefully plan what you eat and also the activities you do for the day. You can do so with a device called glucose meter.

Also, some diabetics need insulin to regulate their blood glucose level. It is important that you should follow your schedule in taking medications or insulin, checking your blood glucose level, eating, and exercise strictly.

Living with diabetes is hard. That's a fact that you need to live by. However, it can be easily managed and still live a near normal life. With the proper knowledge and self discipline, you can be sure that you will be able to conquer the disease and live a full and healthy life. 




domingo, 24 de agosto de 2014

10 Tips for Managing Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong, total-body problem. Manage blood sugars and overall health with these smart tips.

Get your team together. 
Although your primary-care physician may have been the one to order blood-glucose testing, you need a team of professionals to guide you through all of diabetes' medical details. Ideally your team will include your primary-care physician, an endocrinologist (a hormone specialist who understands the intricacies of insulin), a registered dietitian to help you fine-tune your eating plan, an ophthalmologist (an eye specialist who can look for diabetes-related signs of damage to the retina), a podiatrist (a foot-care specialist who can help prevent complications from diabetes-related nerve damage and skin sores), and a dentist to keep periodontal disease and other infections under control.
Monitor your blood-glucose levels every day.

Monitor your blood-glucose levels every day.
Some people resist checking their blood-sugar levels, but daily monitoring really is the only way to know if they are under control. Foods, activity level, medications, illness, and even stress can affect blood glucose. Unless you check, you might not know whether your levels are holding steady or spiraling out of control. Ask your doctor how often you need to check — and what to do if your blood glucose readings are abnormal.

Take diabetes medication as directed.
Diabetes symptoms are silent, so you may not notice an immediate repercussion when you neglect to take your medicine — and that means far too many people decide against taking prescribed medications (or "forget" to take them). Don't be one of them! Untreated diabetes carries the grave risks of heart disease, nerve damage, and other complications. Take medications or insulin as directed by your physician. If you have uncomfortable side effects or questions about your medication or treatment plan, talk with your doctor.

Exercise.
Next to weight control and medical treatment, exercise is the most important thing you can do to take control over diabetes. Exercise decreases body fat and promotes weight loss — but even if you don't lose weight as a result, exercise will improve blood-sugar control and your body's response to insulin and even help prevent heart disease. Aim for 30 minutes of activity, five days per week. Studies show that all levels of exercise are beneficial, from moderate-intensity walking to high-intensity resistance training with weights. The key is to find something you enjoy doing and will stick with — whether it's walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing — and then get moving!

Keep a food record.
As you are learning to gain control over your weight and blood sugar, it can be helpful to keep a log that includes some specific information about your eating habits. Every time you eat, jot down where you are; what time it is; how hungry you feel before beginning to eat and again when you stop eating; the foods and amounts eaten; and your thoughts or feelings at the time. Over time, you'll start to see patterns. By identifying the situations in which you're most likely to make poor food choices — something we often do as a response to anxiety or stress — you can learn to substitute new activities.

If you smoke, quit.
Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes, and once you have it, smoking makes every problem and complication associated with diabetes even worse. Smoking raises blood-glucose levels, constricts blood vessels, and causes inflammation, and smokers have an increased risk of kidney disease, nerve damage, blood-vessel damage, and foot and leg infections. Note that many people gain weight after quitting smoking because they try to satisfy their nicotine cravings by eating more — a particularly dangerous strategy for people with diabetes. Therefore, it's super-important to quit smoking, if you smoke — and to be mindful of your food intake as you kick the bad habit.

Drink alcohol only in moderation…if at all.
Drinking between one-half and two alcoholic drinks per day has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by an average of 30 percent, compared with nondrinkers or heavy drinkers. However, among people who already have diabetes, there is some question about the benefits of alcohol. Talk to your doctor to make sure that alcohol is safe for you and that you understand how it might affect your blood-glucose levels. And if you don't already drink alcohol, don't start.

Brush and floss regularly.
Just as unregulated diabetes leads to high levels of glucose in your blood, it also leads to higher-than-usual levels of glucose in your saliva, which raises the risk for dental decay. Plus, diabetes makes fighting infection harder, so that if gum disease develops, you'll have a more difficult time getting rid of it than someone without diabetes. However, research suggests that people with diabetes who gain control over their periodontal problems have better glycemic control after gum treatment than before. For healthy teeth and gums, dentists and nutritionists alike recommend that you see your dentist regularly, brush with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and remember to floss.

Seek treatment for little sleep or daytime sleepiness.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is often a sign of sleep apnea, a disorder that causes interruptions in breathing during sleep up to several times per night. It may be caused by faulty signals from the brain or because the soft tissue at the back of the throat relaxes and blocks the airway (called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA). Most people with sleep apnea don't know what is happening or why they feel so tired after what seems like a full night's rest. People with diabetes are more likely to have sleep apnea than people without diabetes — and OSA itself increases the risk of insulin resistance and may be a roadblock to diabetes control. If you have sleep apnea, or if you experience unusual sleepiness during the daytime, talk with your doctor. A full night's sleep is not just a luxury, it's a health necessity.

Be meticulous with your foot care.
Diabetes can cause neuropathy, or nerve damage, in the extremities — usually starting in the feet, so good foot care is critical. The key words are clean and dry. Wash your feet daily in warm water, and dry with a clean, soft towel. Do not soak your feet or use hot water. If you have nerve damage, due to the lack of sensation in your feet you may not notice sores, blisters, calluses, swelling, bruising, or breaks in the skin — so you'll need to be meticulous about inspecting your feet every day. Also, talk to your doctor right away about how to treat any problems. Don't walk barefoot — always wear shoes or slippers — and wear clean, soft socks with your shoes. Talk with your podiatrist about other ways to keep your feet safe.

Learn about what foods help prevent blood sugar spikes and control diabetes.